Thursday, April 30, 2009

DISCOVER STAFFING is always looking for professional and reliable short term temporary help for various assignments including front desk receptionist and filing or data entry clerk. Positions become available on an immediate basis and placement is made first come/first served. Positions located throughout the North Fulton area. $10-$12 an hour depending on the assignment. Some assignments have anywhere from a 1 week to 1 day notice, some are same day. Qualified candidates must have experience with telephone systems such as switchboard or multi-line and general office experience including MS Word and Excel.

If you think that flexible short term work would be something for you, please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Candidates must be local to the Alpharetta, Roswell and Sandy Springs locations and have reliable transportation

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Another example about how the Internet is changing the way we all look for jobs is GlassDoor.com, a review website for employees and job seekers to post about their experience with individual companies. A brief look at the site shows me that mostly large corporations are the most commonly reviewed companies, but it can be used by anyone. It may be a great tool for job seekers to better understand a company before meeting them for an interview. This article posted on Yahoo! Tech is a great introduction to the website.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - When is it OK to lie? What would you do with 100 Christmas trees in July? If you were a cereal, what kind would you be?

Knowing that those and other questions await in an employment interview could have a huge impact on a candidate's chances of landing a new job and, beginning on Tuesday, a Web site called Glassdoor.com aims to provide that insight.

The online jobs site, which already lists salaries and reviews of companies around the world, is adding interview listings. Using a "give and get" system, users submit their experience anonymously for access to other people's stories.

"We view our mission as helping people make better career decisions," said Robert Hohman, chief executive of the Sausalito, California-based company.

"Interviewing is scary, and the one thing that can help reduce the anxiety of interviewing is information," he said. "It makes you feel more confident."

Reviews of nearly 2,000 job interviews have been collected from more than 1,000 companies, Hohman said.

The information includes descriptions of the process, such as whether it was a panel or one-on-one. It lists unexpected or tough questions, rates the difficulty, whether it was positive or negative and whether the interviewee got an offer.

For instance, a review by a candidate for a maintenance director post at a senior center run by Brookdale Senior Living in Tucson, Arizona, warned against the job.

The company lost his application, and an executive who scheduled an interview with him took that day off, he said.

"There is no leadership skills in this corp," he wrote, adding that he was asked: "What would the inside of my car look like if we were to go look inside of it right now?"

A Brookdale spokeswoman told Reuters the company was "disappointed" the applicant had an unpleasant experience and would use the review as feedback.

Launched 10 months ago, Glassdoor has about 200,000 salary listings and reviews of jobs at some 23,000 companies, and many companies use the information for feedback, Hohman said.

The interview information seemed like a good addition at a time when many people are battling for so few jobs, he said.

Some questions could be applied to almost any interview, such as the question about lying that was asked of a project manager applicant at Integer Group, a marketing agency.

The question about cereal was posed in an interview for a financial analyst at Cisco Systems, and the query about Christmas trees arose in a marketing interview at Visa Inc.

The companies with the most interview reviews are Microsoft, Apple and Google. The company with the easiest rating was Bank of America, Amazon scored the most difficult rating, PricewaterhouseCoopers got the highest positive rating and Google was rated the most negative interview experience, Glassdoor said.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

MSN Careers is one of my favorite resources for information and advice on the job search and all related activities. This article is no exception. It is an interesting look at the current market and the expectations of job seekers.

Job Seekers Not Stifled by EconomyBy Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder.com

Although 2009's hiring has started slow and looks to continue down the same path, many workers aren't putting their job searches on hold. According to CareerBuilder.com's survey "2009 Job Forecast," 19 percent of workers intend to find a new job this year. The same amount plan to leave their current job by the end of 2009.

Despite the struggling economy and an increasingly competitive job market, workers haven't lost sight of their career goals. Forty-seven percent of workers planning to find a new job this year cite better compensation and/or career advancement opportunities as their primary reasons.

Not all workers looking for a new position are focused on earning higher salaries or career advancement. Eight percent of these workers want to find a work environment where they feel appreciated. Another 8 percent want to venture into a completely different career than their current ones. Other workers are concerned with the employers' social responsibility, as 5 percent of workers want to belong to a company that is making a difference. Of employees leaving their jobs this year, 4 percent are ready to become retirees and leave the work force entirely.

Even workers happy in their current jobs are willing to consider promising prospects that come their way. Consider that 70 percent of surveyed workers are satisfied with their jobs; yet 80 percent of workers claim they aren't actively looking for a new job, but they would be open to one if the right opportunity presents itself.

Satisfaction and loyalty -- Two key factors that influence job seekers to leave their current positions and look for better horizons are job satisfaction and company loyalty. The following elements affect both satisfaction and loyalty, according to surveyed workers:

Pay -- Thirty-five percent of workers did not receive a raise in 2008. Of workers who did receive raises, 16 percent were given an increase of 2 percent or less. Sixty-three percent of workers did not receive a bonus last year. Perhaps unsurprisingly, 25 percent of workers are either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their pay.

Career advancement -- Satisfaction levels are equally low for workers concerned with career advancement opportunities. Twenty-six percent of workers are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the opportunities available at their current jobs. In 2008, 80 percent of workers did not ask for or receive promotions, and 20 percent thought they were overlooked.

Work/life balance -- Eighteen percent of workers are dissatisfied with their current balance of personal and work lives. Possibly contributing to this dissatisfaction is the fact that 54 percent of workers say that their workloads have increased over the last six months.

Training/learning -- Many workers looking to improve their skill sets are not finding what they want at their current jobs, as 23 percent of workers express some level of dissatisfaction with the training and learning opportunities available to them.

These qualities not only impact how workers view the jobs they have now but also the employers they would consider working for in the future. Thirty-two percent of workers consider a company's stability and longevity in the market the most important attribute an employer can have. Ample opportunities for career advancement are primary concerns for 21 percent. Good work culture and the ability to offer flexible work schedules also rank high on workers' minds, with 14 percent and 12 percent, respectively.

Job searching in 20092009 will be a competitive year for job seekers, considering so many workers are ready to find a new position in the next 12 months. If you're job searching this year, keep the following tips in mind:

Be patient. As anxious as you are to find new work, the hiring process is long and sometimes tedious. Twenty percent of employers say they take two months or longer to fill their open positions. Considering the current competition in the job market, employers have more résumés to wade through, thus increasing the amount of time it takes to find the best candidate.

Read the job posting. Employers put all the information they want you to know in the job posting. Tailor your résumé to the position by including some of the same keywords and phrases in the job posting. If the employer uses an automated system to scan résumés, yours has a better chance of getting noticed.

Get online. Although 23 percent of employers will decrease their recruitment budgets this year, 19 percent will devote more recruitment dollars to online hiring, such as generalist sites, niche boards and local job boards.

Rosemary Haefner is the vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder.com.

Monday, April 27, 2009

The hottest website in the professional sphere these days is, without a doubt, LinkedIn. This website began as a way for professionals to network but quickly recruiters and hiring managers learned how to use the site to find candidates for available positions. Job seekers are also using the website more and more. The LinkedIn Blog published this posting to give tips to job seekers on how to use the site most effectively. Please click on the link to view the blog directly as well as the discussion that followed the original posting also provides excellent advice.

Editor’s Note: This belongs to a series of contributing guest author posts from LinkedIn users. Alison Doyle is a job search expert with many years of experience in human resources, career development, and job searching, with a focus on online job searching and job search technology. She has covered job searching for About.com since 1998.]

When you’re job searching, and even if you’re not currently seeking employment, LinkedIn is the one site you should be using to enhance your job search and boost your career prospects. The best way to do that is to make sure you are using the full power of LinkedIn to maximize your employment potential. Here are ten tips on optimizing your job hunting experience on LinkedIn:

1. Edit your Profile. The first step is to make sure your LinkedIn Profile is complete. The more detailed your LinkedIn profile, the more chances you will have to be found and to be contacted. This is important because your profile is what you use to connect with people how you get found on LinkedIn. Complete your LinkedIn profile as carefully as you write your resume and provide prospective employers with detailed information on your skills and experience. If you’re currently unemployed, list your current position as “Open to opportunities”. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, sign-up.

2. Include a Photo. You can add a photo (a head shot is recommended) to your LinkedIn profile. Note that the photo can be no larger than 80×80 pixels. Do make sure your photo represents the professional you, not the personal you, because LinkedIn is all about professional networking.

3. Professional Summary. The Professional Summary section of your profile is a good way to highlight your experience. Select an Industry, because recruiters often use that field to search. Don’t forget the Headline, because that’s right at the top of the page when someone views your profile. It’s your first chance to make a good impression.

4. Include Keywords and Skills. Include the keywords and skills from your resume in your profile. This will make it easier for your profile to be found in search results.

5. Contact Settings. Your contact settings let your connections (and hiring managers and recruiters) know your availability. Options include: career opportunities, consulting offers, new ventures, job inquiries, and reference requests. Even if you’re not actively seeking a new job, it’s important to be flexible, because you never know when an opportunity to good to pass up might come along.

6. Profile Website Links. The Links section of your profile is a good way to provide even more information to potential employers and to your contacts. If you have blog or a personal web site that is business related, include those links in the Links section of your profile.

7. LinkedIn Applications. LinkedIn Applications are a terrific way to share even more information in your profile. The blog applications enable users to feed their blog directly to their profile, so other LinkedIn users can see the most current posts automatically.

8. Your Public Profile. Don’t forget to make your profile public - that’s how the world can find it. Also, customizing your URL will give you a link that’s easy to share.

9. Grow Your Network. Connect with other members and build your network. You can find connections you’ve worked with, done business with, went to school with, or are otherwise affiliated with. The more connections you have, the more opportunities you have, but don’t randomly connect with people you don’t know. The point is to connect with people you do know, so they can help you and vice versa.

10. Get Recommendations. To a potential employer, a LinkedIn recommendation is an opportunity to read a reference in advance. Having strong references can only help you when it comes to getting selected for an interview or for a job. The best way to get recommendations is to give them, so take some time to write recommendations for your contacts and they will most likely reciprocate.

Friday, April 24, 2009

With websites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn available to connect and reconnect, many job seekers wonder if these can be tools in their job search. The answer is both "yes" and "no". This informative article from Yahoo! Hotjobs provides some details on what does and doesn't work.

Will Social Networking Get You a Job?By Peter D. Weddle

Networking is one of the best strategies for finding a new or better job. Right? Right. And, social networking clearly involves networking. Right? Right. So, social networking is the new and improved way to land the job of your dreams. Right? Wrong.

It's hard to miss the buzz about social networking. The media has been all agog over the rapid rise of such sites as MySpace. They attract millions of visitors every month, providing lots of opportunity for individual interaction and relationship building. While this activity is indeed networking, the most important aspect of its description is the adjective that defines it -- social. That may be a ton of fun, but it's unlikely to get you hired.

In the past, I've used the term "e-networking" to describe electronic or online networking. But with the rise of the social networking, I've redefined it as "employment networking." E-networking -- employment networking -- is unlike its very social cousin in three important ways: It has a different purpose. It is done in a different way. It takes place on different web sites. Let's explore each of those distinctions.

Employment networking has a different purpose Boiled down to its basic purpose, social networking has a social goal: to find a date, to connect with someone who shares your hobby or other interest, or to expand your circle of friends with friends of your friends.

The purpose of e-networking, on the other hand, is to connect you with contacts who can help you land a new or better job. These contacts include current and former colleagues, former bosses and coworkers, and even recruiters. Of course, the interaction has a social component, and you should treat these individuals with the same courtesy and respect you would like to receive -- but its goal is employment, pure and simple.

Employment networking is done in a different way Social networking involves informal introductions and casual conversations in cyberspace. Think of it as a virtual "Truman Show" where people eagerly and pleasantly meet and greet one another online. There's no obligation to participate, no downside to not doing so, and no performance standard to meet if you do participate.

E-networking, in contrast, requires active participation, and the quality of your effort determines the return you get from your investment of time. Why? Because the key to success in employment networking (whether it's done online or off) is giving as good as you get. You have to share your knowledge, information, and job contacts if you want others to share theirs.

No less important, that sharing must be done regularly so that it builds familiarity and trust among those with whom you network. Their confidence (in you) reassures them that they can safely refer you to a business associate or colleague. That reassurance is critical -- sharing friends on a social networking site isn't particularly risky; but putting someone in touch with a business contact is. It can damage reputations or even jeopardize employment, especially if the person you refer turns out to be less than business-like.

Employment networking takes place on different sites Since the purpose of e-networking is to find a new or better job, you must do it where you're most likely to connect with people who know of or have access to employment opportunities. That means your professional peers and the recruiters who focus on your career field and industry. The best e-networking venues are the discussion forums and bulletin boards at web sites operated by: National and state-level professional associations and trade groups Technical school, college, and graduate school alumni organizations

Some affinity sites that may be important to employers (such as women in technology, African American certified public accountants, and veterans)

To find the best associations and other networking groups for you, try: Association Directory at my site. It's organized by career field and industry and is free to use.

My WEDDLE's 2005/6 Guide to Association Web Sites. This book describes the networking resources at over 1,800 professional, technical, and trade associations in the U.S. and around the world. You can read more about it at my site.

Finally, please don't misinterpret my comments as critical of social networking; they're not meant to be. Social networking takes time, but it won't do much, if anything, to advance your job search. So, here's my suggestion: First, devote some serious energy to e-networking, and then, after that's done, go ahead and relax with a little social networking -- or better yet, get out and meet the neighbors.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

I saw this posting on MSN Careers this morning and thought the information was important for everyone. With all the chaos taking place in business environments, this information would be helpful for everyone to have no matter what situation they are in currently. We may all be in this position at one time or another.

Layoff Survivor's GuiltBy Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder writer

With unemployment numbers continuing their steady climb, you've probably seen layoffs happen in your company or to someone you know -- hopefully not to you. As you can probably attest, losing a job is never easy on anyone, even if it turns out to be for the best.

What you might not think about is how people who are spared from cuts deal with the aftermath. As weird as it sounds, people who see their colleagues receive pink slips can have their own struggles as a result. You probably wonder why anyone would feel anything but happy about having a job in a shaky economy -- isn't that like complaining that your wallet is too small for all your hundreds? Survivor's guilt is common, however.

Uh ... I'm sorry?After a layoff occurs, everyone in the company is left balancing their emotions with their duties. Just because you're sad, scared and relieved doesn't mean you're given a pass to stop working, even though you'd rather take some personal time to assess the situation. Paul C.* encountered the struggle, but he didn't have much time to deal with it.

Paul and his co-workers were in a meeting when an administrative aide asked them to report to their boss's supervisor ASAP. As they left, Paul told the meeting attendees that he was sorry they had to leave but that they'd resume the meeting later, "Unless, of course, we're being fired." As luck would have it, that was the situation -- except Paul was the only one from his group spared, because his job also dealt in sales. While he went back to his office, the rest were escorted out of the building.

"It was weird and difficult trying to carry on while the people who made my sales position possible were no longer there -- or at least I did have survivor thoughts, until one month later they fired me, too!"

Although Paul's situation was at times humorous, it highlights the reality that you can't focus all of your energy on feeling guilty, because you have your own career to worry about, too.

How to maintain relationshipsJenny Schade, president of JRS Consulting, has interviewed employees who were kept on after their companies had layoffs. The effects on these workers often mirror the struggles experienced by their laid-off colleagues.

"The remaining employees are often expected to 'do more with less' and move forward," Schade says. "But that's hard to do when they feel depressed, numb and guilty about having made it through the chaos -- classic symptoms of survivor's guilt." The guilt impacts not only your personal life, but also your relationships with your ex-co-workers.

"The most uncomfortable part of a job loss is the elephant in the room -- the person who has lost his job may not want to volunteer the information and the other person is at a loss for what to say," Schade says. "By saying, 'I was sorry to hear about your job. Anything I can do to help?' you're addressing the situation and immediately offering your support."

Support is still worthwhile, even if you don't have a job opportunity to offer, Schade adds. "You might offer to review a résumé or you may 'know someone who knows someone' and can help make a connection."

Schade has guidelines to help layoff survivors feel comfortable maintaining their relationship with ex-colleagues.

Let your friend guide the discussion."If he or she changes the subject, let it go. But if he or she wants to talk, be ready to listen and offer support. Just reflecting the other person's feelings can feel very supportive," Schade says.

Listen."Focus on listening, but be sensitive about asking too many questions," Schade explains. "Asking, 'How many job interviews do you have lined up?' can sound intrusive. It's fine if your friend volunteers information but don't ask questions that may make him or her feel stressed."

Maintain the relationship."Sometimes the worst part of losing a job comes two months later when not much is happening," Schade says. "Invite your friend to lunch (and be sure to pay) or send a supportive note saying he or she is in your thoughts."

Guilt and confusionBetween restructurings and layoffs, companies are undergoing dramatic shifts that can leave employees confused. For example, Buffy Martin Tarbox was let go from her position as a director last August, along with 55 other employees. Fortunately she was hired back six weeks later -- but for an entry-level position.

"My co-workers were unsure as how to treat a person who had been in a supervisor role, laid off from that job but returned in a completely different position," Tarbox says. "Plus, I felt guilty that so many of my co-workers that had lost their jobs were no longer employed but that I had found another position in the organization."

News of her return was met with mixed emotions from her former colleagues, who didn't understand why she'd want to go back to the employer who had just let her go, and from those who worried about how she'd be able to adjust to a new job title. Not to mention the employees who knew her when she was higher on the totem pole.

"When I returned to the office following my layoff, I noticed how quickly the apologies from co-workers about what had happened came forth," she remembers. "Another interesting aspect was that my former department, the one I had directed, rarely spoke to me. Most wouldn't even return my phone calls. Prior to the layoff, I had close relationships with my department, so I found this perplexing."

Layoffs always breed high emotions and confusing circumstances. Considering the uneven situation of the economy, stories like Tarbox's are likely to continue as employers rehire some people and move others around.

While no strict etiquette for how to act as a layoff survivor exists (or as a laid-off worker who then becomes an employee again), the best anyone can do is follow Schade's advice to stay sensitive and keep the lines of communication open.

*Full name has been withheld by request of the source.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

We've been hearing a lot about "Green Collar Jobs" lately. With many people shifting their focus on the environment and sustainable resources, these jobs are becoming more and more attractive to job seekers. The government is making it a priority to create these types of jobs over the next several years which will not only help improve the environment but also stimulate the economy. Yahoo! Hotjobs has this article on the movement.

For career changers thinking about growth and advancement potential, forget the blue-collar and white-collar categories: Green is the way to go.

A bull market has begun to develop in green careers and opportunities for job seekers and career changers. Careers promoting environmental responsibility that are now considered cutting edge will become mainstream within a decade, according to Bracken Hendricks, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress.

"The growth in green careers will be like the Internet boom, which not only created new jobs, but also significantly impacted the overall economy," he says.

Wide Range of New Jobs

A recent study by the Cleantech Network, a venture capital firm for green business, showed that up to half a million new jobs in ecologically responsible trades will blossom in the next three years alone. And jobs will pop up at every income level, from chief sustainability officer to "green" maintenance supervisor. A few job titles poised for growth include:

* green product designer -- designs products that use less energy and raw materials to produce and consume less energy and resources to use.* energy rating auditor -- performs a comprehensive analysis of a building's energy efficiency. An energy retrofitter can use an auditor's recommendations to create more efficient home heating and cooling systems for existing buildings.* environmental manager -- coordinates management of organization's environmental performance to protect and conserve natural resources.* biological systems engineer -- designs, manages, and develops systems and equipment that produce, package, process, and distribute the world's food and fiber supplies.* permaculture specialist -- analyzes land use and community building to create a harmonious blend of buildings, microclimate, plants, animals, soils, and water.* urban arborist -- a landscaper or greenskeeper with an understanding of conservation and renewable resources.

In addition, professionals will find opportunities by adding green to their skill sets, from accountants who can manage corporate carbon emission offsets, to zookeepers who must maintain environmentally sensitive and ecologically friendly animal habitats.

More Growth on the Horizon

Part of the growth in green collar jobs will come from government initiatives: The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Green Jobs Act of 2007 that would provide $125 million annually to train people for green vocational fields that offer living wages and upward mobility for low-income communities.

In the private sector, Bank of America launched a $20 billion initiative to support environmentally sustainable business activity to address global climate change, and Citigroup plans to commit $50 billion to environmental projects over the next decade.

With that kind of rapid growth, supply and demand is likely to be unbalanced for a while. "If you look at jobs in solar, wind and renewable energy management, there are very few people with the right training and this could lead to a serious labor shortage," said Rona Fried, president of sustainablebusiness.com, a news and networking service for growing sustainable businesses.

Get in on the Action

For anyone considering a green collar-career path, consider:

* Can your current job be 'greened'? An employer who values you may be willing to train you to include skills to meet the goals of the company's green initiatives.* Can you go back to school? An increasing number of colleges are offering environmental studies programs and green MBAs. * Do you already have the skills? Start on eco job boards, and check out sustainablebusiness.com, ecojobs.com, greenbiz.com, and treehugger.com. As in traditional careers, personal connections help in finding a green-collar job. Volunteering for an eco-friendly organization could help build those connections while doing some good for the planet.

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking an experienced Inside Sales professional for a client in Alpahretta. Will be working with current customers as well as generating leads for the outside sales team. Must be very comfortable on the phones and building relationships. $28K salary plus commission and bonuses. 2+ Years Inside Sales experience. Medical industry knowledge helpful but not required.

Candidates must be local to the Alpharetta area and have reliable transportation. Please send your resumes to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.

DISCOVER STAFFING would like to say "Thank You" to all of our employees for a job well done.

National Professional Secretaries Week and National Secretary's Day was created in 1952 through the work of Harry F. Klemfuss of Young and Rubicam. His goal was to encourage more women to become secretaries. Using his skill and experience in public relations, Klemfuss, promoted the values and importance of the job of secretaries. In doing so, he also created the holiday in recognition of the importance of secretaries.

Today, the title is changing, but the recognition is equally important. The common term today is Administrative Professionals as the role has generally changed significantly since 1952, and for the better at that.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

While the following information is provided for our employees, we also believe it is good advice for job seekers. It is always best to dress professionally for an interview, but consider the following information when accepting a position.

At DISCOVER STAFFING, we expect our employees to act as representatives of our company to our clients. In doing so, we require a certain level of professionalism when it comes to office dress. Our dress code is based on a professional office environment and includes allowances for client companies’ own policies.

We encourage a "Business Appropriate" wardrobe that may include professional dress such as suits or dresses, depending on the work situation. Many of our clients also have a more "Business Casual" policy. Regardless of the dress code specifics, all employees are required to make sure their clothing is clean, neat and in good repair. Clothes with holes, tears or other damage should never be worn. Clothes that are excessively wrinkled should be pressed prior to the workday.

Below are some "Do’s and Don’ts"

Do:

Dress neatly and professionally with specific regards to the job description. If you are greeting clients or otherwise highly visible, a more professional dress code would be a better option. Likewise, suitable dress for a position in a warehouse environment would likely be jeans and a plain t-shirt or sweatshirt. Most of DISCOVER STAFFING’s clients uphold a dress code somewhere in the middle.

Wear appropriate footwear. Many clients prefer closed toed shoes with hose or appropriate socks. If open toed shoes are permitted, they must only be worn with clean and pedicured feet.Warehouse positions often allow the use of athletic shoes or work boots.

Use good judgment regarding day-to-day dress.

Ask if you don’t know.If you are in doubt about a particular article of clothing, be sure to ask your supervisor if it would be appropriate prior to wearing it in the workplace.

It is always best to err on the more professional side rather than risk being too casual.

Don’t:Wear any of the following:

Gym or Beach attire

"Skorts", Shorts, beach style Capri Pants

Stirrup pants or leggings

Overalls

Jeans, except where or when authorized, and always in good repair.

Hats of any type

T-Shirts, except where or when authorized, and never with inappropriate logos, pictures or phrases. It is best to choose plain t-shirts.

Tank tops, strapless tops, spaghetti straps, or halter-tops

Tops that show the midriff or inappropriately low cut tops

Backless or strapless dresses, miniskirts or short dresses.

Anything see-through

Combat or hiking boots

Flip Flop sandals

Some items of clothing, such as Jeans on Friday are allowed at some client sites and notification of this policy will be provided prior to the assignment.

Always report back to your DISCOVER STAFFING representative when in doubt or if you have any questions regarding the policies or the specific companies’ codes.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Hiring Manager SecretsAdapted from "Career Building: Your Total Handbook for Finding a Job and Making It Work"By the Editors at CareerBuilder.com

Here's the bottom line: You have to get a job, you have to go to work, and someday, you'll probably have to change jobs. "CAREER BUILDING: Your Total Handbook for Finding a Job and Making It Work" (Collins Business) is a one-stop guide for navigating all those times in your career.

If you worry about every possible way you can blow a job interview -- from mispronouncing the boss's name to babbling incessantly when you don't know what else to say -- you're going to walk in there feeling like you're destined to fail. True, job interviews are rife with opportunities for you to embarrass yourself, but hiring managers are more forgiving than you might think. We consulted some hiring experts about what is really going on inside their heads when interviewing job applicants. They offered the following insights:

They like you. They really like you.Most hiring managers come to the interview wanting to hire you. They are hoping you are the best person for the job and can start when they need you. After all, you made it to the interview didn't you?

Show you are confident, even if you have to fake it.Most hiring managers come to the interview wanting to hire you. They are hoping you are the best person for the job and can start when they need you. Have confidence. If you are frustrated with your job search, don't let that negativity show to the employer. Your pessimism can be a turnoff. Even if it's a temporary attitude brought on by rejection, the hiring manager might think it's your overall attitude. After all, you made it to the interview didn't you?

Don't apologize for being out of work.A layoff can happen to anyone. What do you do if it happens to you? Don't be ashamed -- in today's climate, layoffs occur (unfortunately) daily. Many job seekers are in your shoes. Don't apologize. Instead, focus on the job you are interviewing for by showcasing your skills and exhibiting how you are the best fit.

Target your job search.While you don't need to possess every single skill listed on a posting, you should at least be qualified for the position and prove that you have transferable skills. Your targeted résumé will help prove you're a serious candidate and have the right qualifications for the position. If you're spending time applying for jobs you're not qualified for, you're wasting valuable time you could be devoting to a position that's a better fit. If you recognize where your strengths lie and what transferable skills you possess, you'll see better results than if you apply to any posting you come across.

Get primed. "Tell me what you know about the company" or "Why would you fit in well here?" have become staple interview questions, so don't be caught off guard. Shrugging your shoulders and saying, "I don't know" isn't going to score you points. Look at the company's Web site and read press releases and newspaper articles to see what's going on with your prospective future boss. In addition to prepare for the interview, you'll learn whether the company and its culture are a right fit for you.

They don't want to hear what you think they want to hearInterviewers have gotten very smart to picking up if someone's spewing something they've memorized from a book. By only saying what they think the employer wants to hear, job candidates are simply putting on an act, and employers can see right through that. You have to be yourself in an interview and you have to be sincere.

They don't expect you to have all the answersEmployers are more interested in how you find answers to things you don't know than if you pretend to know something you don't. In some cases, the interviewer may ask a question that he or she doesn't expect you to be able to answer simply to see how you handle it. If you ever find that you don't know the answer to an interviewer's question, the best thing to do is to admit that you don't know, but either add that you could give an educated guess or provide a way you might go about finding the answer. Most important, if you don't know, don't try to fake it. Not knowing is OK. Making something up or pretending to know is not.

They want you to want themYou need to express genuine interest in the job or the company. As much as the recruiter wants to sell the candidate on the position and company, the recruiter also wants to know that the candidate actually wants to work in that position or for that company.

From the editors of CareerBuilder.com, CAREER BUILDING is filled with the statistics, tips and priceless information on job-hunting and working in the digital age, including good and bad résumé samples, using social networking, searching online, résumé "keywords" and e-mail mistakes to avoid. In today's unstable economic climate, CAREER BUILDING is the guide you can't afford to go without.

Becky Blanton, 53, has worked for five major media companies, been an assistant advertising director for a Fortune 500 company and owned her own newspaper. She's also currently writing a book called "Staying Hungry: The Official Guide for Never Settling for What Life Puts on Your Plate," about grit, determination and perseverance.

With such an impressive career backdrop, you might be thinking Blanton's educational background is equally impressive.

Though she has some college education under her belt, Blanton doesn't have her college degree. She does everything she can to gain experience by attending conferences, workshops, seminars and job training classes and shadowing friends at work.

Blanton is not alone in lacking a college degree. In 2007, 46.6 percent of the labor force had less than a high school diploma and 69.9 percent had no college degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While getting an education is certainly important, many people argue that it's not the degree that's important; it's what you learn and how you apply it.

"There are many myths about what a degree can do for you," says John Murphy, author of "Success Without a College Degree." "Too many college grads depend on the promise that their degree is a 'golden ticket.' Employers know that vague degrees, such as English literature, humanities, sociology and liberal arts have little to do with the practical world. The things that get jobs have more to do with attitude, first impressions and experience than a diploma."

Blanton agrees that a diploma is not the most important thing to an employer. She says that not having her degree has never been a disadvantage.

"I have only been turned down from one job because of a lack of a degree and that was teaching journalism at a college," Blanton says. "Experience, not education levels, is what employers are after. They want to know you can do the job. I had to work a little harder, learn a little more and go the extra mile to show employers I could do the job. I learned the people skills, attitude and job skills to succeed and didn't rest on my 'I have a degree' laurels that so many people do."

If you don't have a degree and you're looking for ways to land a job in spite of it, here are some tips on how you can sell your experience, regardless of your education.

1. Be a problem solver "Millions [of people] graduate with vague degrees that only attest to one's ability to read books and take tests, but not necessarily solve problems," Murphy says. "Industry experience conveys that you can solve problems for an employer right away or with little learning curve. Examine your experience and spell out how you helped solve problems, any problems. Competitors with degrees won't be able to compare."

2. Tell your 'Rocky' story"Not having an impressive academic pedigree -- or any degree at all -- can be a plus if you've found a way to succeed to this point without one," says Sean O'Neil, principal of One to One Leadership, a sales and management training and recruitment company. "The more you can demonstrate a history of success relative to more pedigreed peers the better. You can paint yourself as a self-made professional, as compared with the silver-spoon Ivy Leaguer who had all the odds in their favor."

3. Be open to education"Many companies have favorable back-to-school plans for their employees. If you're speaking with a prospective employer that places a large emphasis on academics, you might want to indicate a desire to take advantage of their plan," O'Neil says. "Demonstrating a desire to make up any gaps in your résumé while on the job might just tip the scales in your favor."

4. Don't make it a big deal"Don't make it such a big deal and it just might not be," says Bill Gaffney of the Amaxa Group, a recruiting and coaching company. "If it is an impediment to you, then you are going to reflect that when you talk with the company. There are really very few companies where the degree will stop [someone] from hiring a person if they are the best out there."

5. Focus on achievements over education"If you don't have a degree, it's very important for you to shine in every other aspect of your résumé," says Cathy Severson, career counselor and owner of Retirement Life Matters. "Don't settle for a list of tasks, but really demonstrate how you can do the job better than anyone else can. The best way is to do this is by providing concrete evidence of how you have excelled at similar tasks in the past through accomplishments."

6. Prepare your success stories"For the interview, prepare several stories of success that showcase how you have accomplished tasks similar to others who possess a degree," says Barbara Safani of Career Solvers. If you are a sales professional, for example, focus on how you exceeded your sales targets and have done as well as or better than your colleagues. If you are an accountant, prove how you have uncovered errors and recouped money for the company -- despite the fact that you didn't formally study accounting. If you are a high school graduate competing against a recent college graduate, talk about the experience you have garnered in part-time or summer jobs or full-time jobs you had while others your age were at college, she says.

7. Create a combination résumé"The most important task is to market your key skills and accomplishments to the employer by creating a résumé that focuses on your contributions to your previous employers and your experience that is most relevant to the position for which you are applying," says Winifred Winston, certified professional résumé writer. "By creating a combination résumé that lists your relevant skills and experience first, you are sure to capture the hiring manager's attention. You initially want the employer to be able to fold your document in half and just by reading the top portion they know you are someone they should contact to schedule an interview. Does that top portion list education? Not necessarily."

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

The Wallstreet Journal recently published this article on interviewing. It was featured on the front page of Yahoo! and also mentioned on NPR Morning Edition's "Last Word in Business" segment. The information in this article is paramount to being successful in the interveiwing process.

In recent weeks, recruiters for Consolidated Container Co. have seen job candidates arrive up to an hour early for interviews. Other candidates have alluded to financial hardships while in the hot seat, and one person even distributed bound copies of documents describing projects he completed for past employers.

These sorts of tactics aren't exactly winners.

In today's ultracompetitive job market, even getting an interview is a feat. Yet recruiters and hiring managers say many unemployed candidates blow the opportunity by appearing desperate or bitter about their situations — often without realizing it.

"People are becoming a lot more aggressive," says Julie Loubaton, director of recruiting and talent management for Atlanta-based Consolidated Container. "They often wind up hurting themselves."

At an interview, you want to stand out for the right reasons. To do so, you'll need to leave your baggage and anxiety at the door. For starters, wait until 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time to announce yourself. Arriving any sooner "shows that you're not respectful of the time the hiring manager put aside for you," says Ms. Loubaton, adding that a candidate who arrived an hour early made workers uncomfortable. "Companies really don't want someone camped out in their lobby."

Signal confidence by offering a firm handshake, adds Wendy Alfus Rothman, president of Wenroth Consulting Inc., an executive coaching firm in New York. Focus your attention on the interviewer. Avoid looking around the room, tapping your fingers, or other nervous movements.

No matter how you're feeling, keep your personal woes out of the interview process, asserts Ms. Alfus Rothman. Instead, always exude an upbeat attitude. For example, if you were laid off, instead of lamenting the situation, you might say the experience prompted you to reassess your skills, and that's what led you here. "You want to demonstrate resilience in the face of unpredictable obstacles," she says.

Meanwhile, show you've done your homework on the company by explaining how your background and track record relates to its current needs, adds Deborah Markus, founder of Columbus Advisors LLC, an executive-search firm in New York. This is particularly important if the firm is in a different industry than the one you worked in before. To stand out, you'll need to look up more than just basics on company leadership and core businesses. You'll also need to find out — and understand — how recent changes in the marketplace have affected the firm, its competitors and industry overall. Read recent company press releases, annual reports, media coverage and industry blogs, and consult with trusted members of your network. "Companies that may have been performing well just a few months ago might be in survival mode now," says Ms. Markus. "You want to understand how [they're] positioned today."

Also, be sure to show you're a strong fit for the particular position you're seeking, adds Kathy Marsico, senior vice president of human resources at PDI Inc., a Saddle River, N.J., provider of sales and marketing services for pharmaceutical companies. Offer examples of past accomplishments — not just responsibilities you've held — and describe how they're relevant to the opportunity. "You must differentiate yourself like never before," she says. "You need to customize yourself and make yourself memorable."

Sherry R. Brickman, a partner at executive-search firm Martin Partners LLC, says a candidate recently impressed her with this sort of preparation. "He knew the company's product line and what markets it was already in," she says of the man, who was interviewing for an executive post at a midsize industrial manufacturer. "He clearly and effectively explained how he could cut costs, increase sales and expand market share based on what he'd done in his current job." The candidate was hired.

Be careful not to go too far, though, in your quest to stand out. For example, it may be tempting to offer to work temporarily for free or to take a lesser salary than what a job pays. But experts say such bold moves often backfire on candidates. "Employers want value," says Lee Miller, author of Get More Money on Your Next Job ... In Any Economy. "They don't want cheap."

Your best bet is to wait until you're extended a job offer before talking pay. "In a recession, employers are going to be very price sensitive," says Mr. Miller. "The salary you ask for may impact their decision to move forward." Come prepared having researched the average pay range for a position in case you're pressured to name your price, he adds. You might say, for example, that money isn't a primary concern for you and that you're just looking for something fair, suggests Mr. Miller. You can try turning the tables by asking interviewers what the company has budgeted for the position.

In some cases, you may be looking just for a job to get you through so you might consider a less-than-perfect fit. But if you aren't really excited about an opportunity, keep it to yourself, warns David Gaspin, director of human resources at 5W Public Relations in New York. "I've had times where people come in and it's clear that if they really had their preference, they'd be doing something different," he says. "You don't want to put that out on the table. Nobody wants to hire someone who's going to run for the door when times get better."

After an interview, take caution with your follow-up. If you're in the running for multiple jobs at once, make sure to address thank-yous to the right people, career experts advise. Also look closely for spelling and grammatical errors. In a competitive job market, employers have the luxury of choice, and even a minor faux pas can hurt your chances.

If all has gone well, don't stalk the interviewer. Wait at least a week before checking on your candidacy, adds Jose Tamez, managing partner at Austin-Michael LP, an executive-search firm in Golden, Colo. Call recruiters only at their office, even if their business card lists a home or cell number. Leave a message if you get voicemail. These days, recruiters typically have caller ID and can tell if you've tried reaching them multiple times without leaving a voicemail. "There's a fine line between enthusiasm and overenthusiasm," he says.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

We are currently seeking individuals for Office Support and Administrative Positions as well as General Warehouse and Assembly Positions. We know that good people refer good people!

Have applicants contact us at alpharetta@discoverstaffing.com or gwinnett@discoverstaffing.com depending on their location to set an appointmentOnce they work 40 hours, you’ll earn $25 – it’s just that easy!

Monday, April 13, 2009

A popular buzz word today is "Work/Life Balance". You hear it everywhere you turn. Yahoo! Hotjobs has this great article on how to make your career work for your lifestyle.

Don't Let Your Job Get ToxicBy Debra Davenport

Sometimes no matter how hard you try to do all the right things at work, a job may feel as if it's hurting you more than helping you. Maybe the job is a bad fit, maybe volatility in your industry gives you anxiety about the future, or maybe a salary cut is making too many of your purchases stress-inducing. If you find yourself in a similar position, you have to assess whether your work situation is toxic or revivable. If you decide your job is toxic, take control and formulate an exit plan. It's simply not worth staying in a situation that can negatively impact your health, relationships, and peace of mind.

If you decide to create some changes in your job, you can take the following proactive self-care measures to protect your well-being as you focus on the challenges ahead.

Speak up. Talk with your boss (if he or she is not the problem) and engage in a solutions-oriented dialogue. You may not be able to change the company, but you might be able to make your department a much more pleasant place to work.

Relax. Massage, meditation and positive visualization will reduce stress, improve circulation, remove toxins from the body, and help you sleep.

Blow the 5:30 whistle. Don't stay in a toxic workplace any longer than absolutely necessary, and don't take your toxic job home with you. When 5:30 p.m. rolls around, leave.

Take a break. It's actually smart to take a "mental health day" every now and then. Don't feel guilty for taking a day off to get your life back in balance.

Get fueled. Proper nutrition is one of your best defenses. Keeping your body fortified helps to boost energy, prevent illness, and minimize the harmful effects of stress.

Go green. Living plants enhance the air quality of indoor environments, and also have been shown to induce positive energy.

Breathe. Recycled air in office buildings and enclosed work areas can be very unhealthy. If you have the option of opening windows, let the fresh air in! Otherwise, use air purifiers and natural aromatherapies to lift spirits and freshen the air.

Color your world. Finally, don't underestimate the psychological impact of color. Surround yourself with greens and blues to create a sense of tranquility.

In fact, putting some of these tips into practice may change how you perceive your job and its challenges. It's all about perspective.

The important thing is to give yourself permission to seek a healthy working environment where you can thrive instead of just survive.

Debra Davenport is president of DavenportFolio, a licensed firm with offices in Phoenix and Los Angeles that provides career counseling, Certified Professional Mentoring, professional employment placement and executive search services. She is the creator of the Certified Professional Mentor(R) designation, and you can contact her at debra@davenportfolio.com.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Yahoo! Hotjobs has this great article on how to work temporary assignments. I thought it was a great opportunity to share it with our employees and those interested in working with DISCOVER STAFFING.

Making the Move From Temp to Permby Todd Anten

Your job search is lasting longer than you expected. You need to start earning an income. What can you do?

Try temporary work. Not only is temping a great way to earn some extra money, a temp job may also lead to a permanent job further down the road.

But turning a temporary job into a permanent one isn't easy -- you will have to work hard to prove that you would be a valuable addition to a company's permanent staff.

Here's how to begin:

There's No Such Thing as 'Just a Temp'

Some temporary workers treat their jobs as if the work is somehow different from permanent work.

Big mistake -- especially if you want to land a permanent job at that company.

If you want to join the company on a permanent basis, you need to act as if you already are a permanent employee. So always perform at the highest of your abilities. If you show what you are fully capable of, you will have a better chance of being invited to join the staff on a permanent basis.

Just remember: No one should be able to guess from the quality of your work that you're a temporary worker.

You Are What You Wear

Just as no one should be able to guess from the quality of your work that you're a temporary worker, your appearance shouldn't give you away either.

It's tempting for temp workers to think they can dress more casually -- they sometimes feel that less is expected of them. However, if you dress like a professional, people will be more likely to treat you like one.

Be sure to ask what the company's standard dress code is before you start your job. Always adhere to the dress code, even when you feel that others may not be paying attention to your attire.

Getting to Know You

If you really want to turn your temp job into a permanent position, it's crucial that you meet as many people as possible. To make your face known, be friendly and sociable. Don't be intimidated to speak to those who are permanent staff. After all, these may be your future permanent coworkers.

There's a bonus in forging relationships with permanent workers: If you start meeting people, not only will you feel more comfortable at work, you may also make a friend who has some clout to help bring you on permanently.

Don't Live by the Clock

If you want to be considered for a permanent job, you should be willing to do a bit of extra work to prove it.

One idea: Before you leave at the end of the day, ask your supervisor if they have everything they need. This will show you're willing to stay a bit longer to get the job done.

This display of dedication can often impress a supervisor -- these are just the kind of workers that successfully make the transition from temp to perm.

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates for an Electronics Technician position in Alpharetta. Responsible for troubleshooting and repair of electronic assemblies, printed circuit boards and mechanical assets. Must have an AS Degree in Electronics or Equivalent experience. Minimum of 1 year experience.

Candidates must be local to the Alpharetta area and have reliable transportation. Only qualified candidates will be considered. Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. No phone calls please.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Thank you so much for your interest in this position. At this time, our client has made a hiring decision. Please continue to check back for the most up to date job postings.

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking an experienced Accounting Clerk for a company located in Norcross. This person will handle all commissions including tracking them on excel spread sheets, analyzing statements, and handling the commissions portion of the payroll process. Will also assist with other office functions as needed. Must have excellent excel skills. Bookkeeping and ADP experience is helpful. Will start on a part time basis but become full time after the training period is over. $10/hour while temporary. Temp to hire opportunity.

Candidates must be local to the Norcross area and have reliable transportation. Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.

We Are Hiring

DISCOVER STAFFING specializes in general office support and light industrial positions in the North Fulton, Cobb and Gwinnett County areas. We are always considering new applicants. Send resumes to alpharetta@discoverstaffing.com

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